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Systems and apparatuses for inserting an implant in intervertebral space

  • US 9,233,011 B2
  • Filed: 05/05/2014
  • Issued: 01/12/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A tool for inserting an intervertebral implant into an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae, comprising:

  • a tool body having a longitudinal tool axis;

    a proximal handle portion of the tool body;

    an actuator operably connected to the tool body;

    first and second pairs of laterally adjacent shiftable prongs having elongate bodies and each pair having a prong with a superiorly extending distal projection and a laterally adjacent prong with an inferiorly extending distal projection, the superiorly and inferiorly extending distal projections extending in respective superior and inferior directions along a vertical axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the first and second pairs of shiftable prongs disposed at a distal end of the tool body with each pair of shiftable prongs spaced laterally from the longitudinal axis and the other pair of shiftable prongs;

    wherein one prong of each of the pairs is operably connected to the other laterally adjacent prong of the same pair of laterally adjacent prongs and to the actuator to shift the prongs between a non-engaging configuration, wherein the projections of the prongs are positioned for being out of engagement with the intervertebral implant, and an engaging configuration, wherein the superiorly extending distal projection of one prong of each pair shifts superiorly and the inferiorly extending distal projection of the other laterally adjacent prong of each pair shifts inferiorly for engaging with the intervertebral implant for manipulation and insertion thereof into the intervertebral space.

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